Method of propelling ships and boats and apparatus therefor.



A. R. PULLEN.

METHOD OF PROPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21,1913.

Patented Nov. 3, 1914.

17 SHEETSSHEET l.

A. R. PULLEN. METHOD OF PROPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21, 1913.

1,1 1 6, 1 1 7. Patented Nov. 3, 1914.

17 SHEETS*SHEBT 2.

THE NORRIS PETERS Co PHOTO'LITHO, WASHINnmN n I A. R. PULLEN. METHOD OF PROPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21, 1913.

Patented Nov. 3, 1914.

17 SHEETS'SHEET 3.

A. R. PULLEN.

METHOD OF PBOPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21,1913. 1 ,1 1 6, 1 1 7. Patented Nov. 3, 1914.

17 SHEETSSHBET 4.

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A. R. PULLBN.

METHOD OF PROPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21, 1913.

1,116,117. Patented Nov. 3, 1914 17 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

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A. R. PULLEN.

METHOD OF PROPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21, 1913. 1 1 1 6, 1 1 7. Patented Nov. 3, 1914.

17 SHEETS SHEET 6.

fa) AA WW HE NORRIS PETERS C0,, PHOTO LITHO. WASHING ION D c A. R. PULLEN.

METHOD OF PROPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21, 1913.

1 1 1 6, 1 1 7. Patented Nov. 3, 1914.

1'7 SHEETSSHEET 7.

A rn'" FHE NORRIS PETERS c0 PHO10-LITHO WASHINGTON, 1.1a

A. R. PULLBN.

METHOD OF PROPBLLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

Patented Nov. 3, 1914.

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METHOD or PROPBLLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21, 1913.

1 ,1 16,1 1 7. Patented N0v.3, 1914.

17 SHEETS-SHEET l0.

A rr'y 'HE NORRIS PETERS c0 PHIHO LITHC W H1NG rorvv D c A. R. PULLEN.

METHOD OF PBOPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21, 1913. 1,1 16,1 17. Patented Nov. 3, 1914 17 8HEBTSSHEBT 1]..

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METHOD 0 PROPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 81, 1913.

1 ,1 1 6, 1 1 7. Patented Nov. 3, 1914 17 SHEETS-SHEET 12.

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METHOD OF PROPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21, 1913.

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THE NORRIS rrJERs co PHOTO-LITHO. WA HINCTON D c A. R. PULLEN. METHOD OF PROPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21, 1913- 1,116,117, Patented N0v.3, 1914.

17 SHEETSr-SHEET 14.

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A. R. PULLEN.

METHOD OF PROPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLIGATION FILED MAY 21, 1913. 1,116,1 17, Patented'N0v.3,1914,

l7 SHEETS-SHEET 15.

A Tr)! rHE NORRIS PETER CO PHOTCLLITHO, WASHING ION, B. c.

A. R. PULLEN.

METHOD OF PROPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21, 1913.

1 1 1 6, 1 1 7, Patented Nov. 3, 1914.

17 SHEETSSHEET 16.

A T Y THE ORRIS PEYFRS co PHOTD-LITHQ-IWASHINGIUN, n. C.

A. R. PULLBN. METHOD OF PROPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 21, 1913.

1,116,117. Patented N0v.3,1914,

17 SHEETSSHEET l7.

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1 ATTY THE NORRIS PETERS C-. PHOWLITNL, WA-SHIIIUIIIN. D. C.v

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ALFRED ROBERTO PULLEN, OF HILL-TOP CRESCENT, MANDY, NEAR SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA.

METHOD OF PROPELLING SHIPS AND BOATS AND APPARATUS THEREFOR.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALFRED ROBERTO PUL- LEN, a subject of the King of Great Britain, residing at La Brunette, Hill-Top Crescent, Manly, near Sydney, in the State of New South Wales and Commonwealth of Australia, inventor, have invented a new and useful Improved Method of Propelling Ships and Boats and Apparatus Therefor, of which the following is a specification.

This improved method of propelling ships and boats and apparatus therefor is equally applicable to ocean going craft and to boats and has been specially devised in order to provide a method and apparatus which is of greater advantage in almost every aspect than existing methods of marine propulsion.

This improved method of propelling ships and boats is an application to such craft of an approximate model of natures method of propulsion through water by means of the tail of a fish and of propulsion through air by means of the wings of a bird. And this improved method of propelling ships and boats is characterized by the use of an instrument extruding from the stern of the ship or boat into the water and which is lashed or oscillated or given such motion by connection to ordinary prime motors or engines or mechanism that it propels or imparts stern way to the vessel similarly to an ordinary bow or stern oar or scull manipulated in a boat. And the motion of this instrument or scull in one direction, say propelling, will cause the point thereof to describe in the water a series of curves which when observed from above approximate to the shape of the numeral 8 transversely across the track of the craft while in the opposite direction or say imparting stern way, the motion will cause the point of the scull to describe in the water a series of curves which when observed from above approximate to the shape of successive letters S transversely across the track of the craft.

The propeller itself is the scull extruding longitudinally and diagonally from one end of the ship or boat into the water for some considerable distance below the keel. It is elastic or yielding throughout and has concave surfaces on both sides transversely with tapered edges and is of narrow oval outline while tapering longitudinally to a thin Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed May 21, 1913.

Patented Nov. 3, 1914.

Serial No. 768,915.

rounded point. And it is oscillated or lashed from side to side by apparatus or mechanism hereinafter described connected up to a prime motor or engine of any approved construction. Being elastic or yielding this scull will adapt itself to the variable resistance of wave motion below the surface of the water and its concave surfaces and tapered edges enable it to obtain a good grip on the water. The scull is positioned with a longitudinal dip of preferably about 30 to 40. For forward progression the scull in its initial position is in a line with the longitudinal center of the boat or vessel with the blade horizontal. When the operating mechanism is set in motion an oscillating holder turns the scull until the blade has a pitch of preferably about 45 from its horizontal position and with its forward edge lowermost. This oscillator is traveled horizontally transversely of the vessel to one of the terminal points of its travel thus moving the blade of the scull correspondingly in the opposite direction and upon reaching the point of its travel it is caused to rotate a full quarter turn thus turning the blade of the scull about its longitudinal axis and so positioning the other (and now forward) edge of the blade undermost with a pitch of about 45 (and 90 from its first position). It is then traveled a full half stroke when upon reaching the opposite terminus of its travel the oscillator is returned a quarter turn thus bringing it to the first described operative position. Upon the turning of the blade about its longitudinal axis at each terminus of the travel of the oscillator the blade by reason of its pitch and assisted by its flexible properties describes a loop and by reason of the progression of the vessel the point of the blade upon each full stroke describes a form approximating to a figure of 8. Each edge of the blade has thus been traveled and returned though a full quarter turn (having passed through an arc of 45 above and 45 below a horizontal plane) at each terminus of the oscillator and throughout the stroke an inclined surface is presented to the water and this in conjunction with the resiliency of the blade causes a continuously thrusting and screw like effect and so progresses the boat or vessel. When it is desired to move the boat or vessel stern foremost the blade of the scull is freed from its shaft and given a full quarter turn in relation to said shaft about its longitudinal axis and again locked thus securing it in a vertical plane in its initial position. Upon operation of the oscillator the blade is again given a pitch of about 45 but now with its uppermost edge forward (or 90 from its thrusting position) and it is so moved until itreaches the end of its travel or terminus when the blade is turned through a full quarter turn by the oscillator as before described. The blade still having a pitch of about 45 but in the opposite direction (thus again placing the uppermost edge of the blade forward) is then traveled until it reaches the opposite terminus. In this action it will be seen that the same edge of the blade is continuously uppermost thus causing it to form an S like curve upon each full stroke. Each edge of the blade is thus again traveled through a full quarter turn at each terminus of the oscillator, but in this instance the edge passes through an arc of 45 upon each side of a vertical plane. It will be seen that by turning the blade from the horizontal plane to the vertical plane its pitch is reversed and a directly opposite effect produced. By an adjustment of the oscillator the angle of the pitch of the blade might be adjusted, but 45 to meet variable conditions has been stated as an example for ordinary propulsion. And this scull is so rigged that in case of damage to it it can be easily drawn inboard of the craft and repaired or replaced without the necessity of (locking the craft. The apparatus or mechanism for imparting the necessary lashing or transversely oscillating motion to this scull is characterized by the fact that it need not be reversed and that it has a reciprocating universal. holder (for the inner end of the scull) on a similarly reciprocating fulcrum and is adapted to partially rotate the scull at each reciprocation and this mechanism has a. suitable framing and guide rods across the same for the reciprocating parts. The scull extrudes from the end of the vessel through a universal fulcrum which is fast to that end or has supporting devices adapted also to close the openings in the vessel allowing such adjustment.

In the drawings accompanying and forming part of this complete specification is illustrated this improved method of propelling ships and boats and the new best known apparatus suitable therefor.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to this invention for propelling a ship or boat installed in a craft of considerable size there not being shown in connection therewith the prime motor of the same which may be of any approved kind but is preferably a turbine engine of modern construction nor is the rudder shown which would be one of well known construction boxed in the keel of the vessel. Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the mechanism for oscillating or lashing the scull. Fig. 3 a further enlarged view of parts thereof and Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on the plane 4% in Fig. 3 while Figs. 5, (i, 7, 8 and 9 are sectional views on the respective planes indicated by similar numbers in Fig. 4. Fig. 10 is a perspective View of a modified construction of the scull operator of the oscillating mechanism and Fig. 11 a rertical section thereof while Figs. 12 13 and 14 are sectional views on the lines indicated by similar numbers in Fig. 11, and Fig. 15 is a reverse plan of the same. Figs. 16 and 17 are perspective views of the scull holder or universal joint and its adjustable supporting framing showing different positions of the parts. Fig. 18 is a section of the spring winding barrel of such framing. Figs. 19 and 20 are enlarged perspective views of other parts thereof and Figs. 21, 22 and 23 are sectional views on planes or lines indicated by similar numerals in Figs. 20 and 21. Fig. 24 is an external perspective view of the universal holder and adjustable supporting framing with gates thereon in closed position though shown by dotted lines in open position. Fig. 25 is a sectional view on plane 25 in Fig. 24 and Fig. 26 a similar view on plane 26 in Fig. 17. Figs. 27 and 28 are side elevations of the oscillating mechanism and adjustable supporting framing with the scull in a low or deep and in a higher position respectively. And Fig. 29 is a perspective view of the universal holder for the scull. Fig. 30 is a. perspective view of the propelling instrument or scull in two parts and Figs. 31 and 32 sectional views on respective planes in Fig. 30 having similar numerals. Fig. 33 is a sectional view of part of such scull and Figs. 3%, 35 and 36 sectional views on the planes in Fig. 33 similarly numbered. Figs. 37 and 38 are diagrammatic views illustrating the relative positions of the controlling handle the oscillating op erator and the scull blade in ahead and astern positions respectively. Figs. 39 and 40 are diagrammatic views of the oscillating mechanism in ahead and astern positions respectively. Figs. 41 and 42 are diagrammatic views illustrating the motion of the oscillating operator and the scull in ahead position and Fig. 43 shows approximately the path of the point of the scull observed from above in such ahead position. And Figs. 4%, 45 and 46 are similar views of the same in the go-a-stern positions.

The propelling instrument or scull is particularly illustrated in Figs. 30 to 36 and consists of an oval shaped tapered blade 50 with both faces 51 hollowed or concaved transversely to prevent or minimize slip or loss of thrust and it has beveled edges 52 lfff) to minimize resistance to passage through the water. This blade 50 has a shank 53 taking into the socket 51 (and firmly secured therein) of the somewhat flexible or elastic outer stem 55 which also has a socket 56 to receive the reduced end 57 of the middle shaft 58. This middle shaft 58 fits in a socket 59 of the inner stem 60 which thrusts (by collar 61) and tits against the universal holder 150. The outer stem 55 and the middle shaft 58 are locked together and the latter is locked to the inner stem 60 through radial slot 62 in the inner stem 60 through which passes a detachable block 63 fast to said shaft 58 and having a square headed screw bolt 64: on which may be fitted a lever 65. The middle shaft 58 is further locked to the inner stem 60 by a trigger key 66 taking into either of the key ways 67 or 68 in said middle shaft 58. This trigger key 66 is pivoted at 69 and has in its operating arm 70 a slot 71 in which takes the pin 72 of a slide block 73 on a screw 74 in the bracket 75 ailiXed to the middle shaft 60. By means of a tool or say a hand wheel 76 the arm 70 is operated to withdraw the key 66 from one or other of the ways 67 or 68 and to replace it therein. The inner stem 60 has an elongated rectangular shank 77 adapted to take into the rectangular orifice 114 of the universal holder 11?) of oscillator 107.

The operating mechanism for the purpose of oscillating or lashing the scull is particularly illustrated in Figs. 2 to 9 and it is connected with any approved engine giv ing rotatory motion in any ordinary manner and whose transmission shaft is marked 80. This mechanism is conveniently positioned within a somewhat U shaped framing 81 al'lixed in any well known way to the frame of the vessel. .lransversely of this framing 81 are bearers 82 having bearings 83 for the transmission shaft 80. On the end of shaft is a crank arm 85 with a connecting link 86 to the radial arm 87 fast to a lay shaft 88 in bearings 89 at the base of the framing 81. Fast also to this lay shaft 86 is another radial arm or rocking lever 90 rigidly connected to the arm 87 by stay or strut 91. A link 92 connects the top end of the rocking rod 90 to the vertical eXtension 93 of the slide bracket 91 riding on the transverse guide bars 95 and held on said guide bars by side cheeks 96 (fastened by screw bolts 97 and a lock plate 98:). These bars 95 are affixed to the brackets 99 of the framing 81. The inner one of the upper guide bars 95 forms one of another set of similar guide bars 100 set parallel in a vertical plane but obliquely in a horizontal plane relatively to the guide bars 95 across the framing and supporting a slide block 101 connected to the vertical extension 98 of slide bracket 94. The slide block 101 has side cheeks 102 secured thereto by screw bolt 103 and a lock plate 104 by which the block is held in position on the guide bars 100. The fastening screw bolt 103 supports a roller 105 centrally in the block 101. The slot 106 of an oscillator bridle 107 takes over the roller 105 and this bridle is fulcrumed on the screw bolt 108 provided with a lock plate 100, of the side cheeks 11.0 of the slide block 111 which works on the guide bars 112 set parallel to the guide bars 100. The oscillator bridle 107 holds about midway a universal bearing or holder 113 having a rectangular orifice 11.1 for the rectangular shank of the inner stem 60 of the scull.

To provide against concussion of the roller 105 on the bottom of the bridle slot 106, (especially in heavy craft) a modification of the oscillator bridle 107 is shown in Figs. 10 to 15. In this construction the slot 106 is extended and instead of a roller 105 it has a slide block 115 a cushion spring 116 and a bridge plate 117 secured by bolts 116 with a lock plate 119.

It is necessary for the scull with its squared inner stem in the universal holder 1155 of the oscillating bridle 107 to have a suitable fulcrum through which to extrude into the water and that this fulcrum though fast should have a universal bearing; and it is further convenient and almost necessary that this fulcrum should be adjustable as to height from the water and so a suitable supporting framing has been devised which is particularly illustrated in l 1 and 16 to lnto the stem frame of the vessel (above the water line) is built the rectangular frame 120 with upper half doors 121 hinged on shafts 122 in bez'irings 123 having at the top ends arms 124 provided with ori- [ices 125 for the reception of bolts 126 which lock said arms 121 to the vessels framing and render the rabbeted joint 127 of the two half doors water-tight though said doors 121 have also looking catch 1%. The lower portion of the opening 129 in the frame 120 is closed by a slidable plate or shield 130 adapted to run in grooves 131 made on the frame 120. This plate 130 connected by a rope or chain 132 to an overhead winch 133 which may be positioned on convenient platform or lower deck or upon the upper deck as shown in Fig. 1 and it also has a boxing 131 for the universal fulcrum 150. Attached to the bottom of this plate or shield 130 by a cross shaped hook 125 taking into the orifice 136 is a rollable shutter. The hook takes against the bottom end 137 of the slot 129 when the universal fulcrum is in its lowest position. The

shutter consists of a plurality of hinged plates 140 adapted to roll or wind around a drum or barrel 111 and anchored thereto by the hooks 142. On these hinged plates 

